Under a brilliant blue sky, Swarthmore celebrated the Class of 2019 at the College's 147th commencement on Sunday, May 26.

President Valerie Smith awarded honorary degrees to visual artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby ’04, biochemist Jon Lorsch ’90, and justice advocate Bryan Stevenson. In addition, 395 undergraduates were awarded degrees at the ceremony, held at the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater.

Of the 395 graduates, 380 received the Bachelor of Arts degree and 31 the Bachelor of Science in engineering degree. Sixteen had double degrees. Highest honors were awarded to nine graduates, 55 received high honors, and 23 received honors. The senior class speaker was Zara Williams-Nicholas '19, a native of Kingston, Jamaica who graduated as a mathematics and dance double major. The graduating engineers spelled out "Farewell Hicks" on their hardhats as they received their degrees.

Special awards announced at the ceremony include the Oak and Ivy (Lili Tobias '19, Zhicheng Fan '19), Lang (Rebecca Regan '19), and McCabe Engineering (Bilige Yang '19, Greta Studier '19) awards.

Isaac H. Clothier Jr. Professor of Biology Amy Cheng Vollmer and Zain Talukdar '19 addressed the senior class at Last Collection on May 24. Speakers at this address, an assembly-style gathering, are chosen by the senior class. William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Political Science Kenneth Sharpe addressed the graduating class at Baccalaureate services on May 25. The Baccalaureate is the spiritual component of Commencement weekend, featuring the inspirational remarks of a friend of the College.